Investigation underway after man's body found in river in Leeds

Emergency services were called to a stretch of the River Aire near East Street

The River Aire in Leeds
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 24th Jul 2026

An investigation has been launched into the death of a man on the outskirts of Leeds city centre.

His body was recovered from the River Aire - near East Street - yesterday afternoon (Thursday 23rd July 2026), after emergency services received reports of a member of the public spotting a man's body at around 4pm.

Work is taking place to establish the man's identity.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

"Police are appealing for information after the body of a man was recovered from the River Aire in Leeds.

"Shortly after 4pm yesterday evening (23 July), police were called East Street where a member of the public reported seeing a body in the water.

"Officers attended and found the body of a man, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"We are conducting enquiries into the circumstances and are working to establish the man’s identity.

"He has been described as black, of a tall muscular build with black short dreadlock hair and a black beard. Wearing a khaki green Lacoste T-shirt and a cargo shorts.

"The death is currently being treated as unexplained."

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